A new California regulation will require vehicle manufacturers to reduce heat absorption through vehicle glass by using reflective glazing on 2012 model year vehicles. Deemed the “Cool Cars” law, its purpose is to reduce the interior temperatures, thus reducing the demand on vehicle air conditioning systems and (in theory, at least) reducing greenhouse gasses.

Problem: the reflective glazing blocks solar radiation, but it also blocks signals from cell phones (a good thing, unless you’re dialing 911) and GPS-tracking devices worn by felons (a bad thing). Forget about using windshield mounted transponders for toll booths or security gates, because they won’t work through the reflective glazing, either.

Automotive paint and glass technology is expected to improve by 2015, so the California Air Resources Board is only requiring reflective glazing until 2016. If you routinely use a cell phone or a toll transponder in your car, you may want to hold on to that 2011 model a few years longer than usual. On the other hand, if you’re planning on fleeing the police with an ankle transponder in place, the 2012 models may be looking rather attractive.

Source: Gas2.0

As the Chevrolet VOLT closes in on its release date this November, another less well-known version of the new plug-in hybrid also readies production across the pond. The Opel Ampera, sister car to the Chevy’s VOLT will be displayed at the Geneva Auto Show this coming March. In a sales tactic that’s been previously employed by some other manufactures, the Ampera will be driven from Rüsselsheim, Germany, to the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. This little stunt will prove two things to the world automotive press. One, that is actually runs and two, that it’ll do everything that Opel claims.

Read more about it over at Autoevolution.com

It seems that Nissan is now ready to jump into the electric car fray with the new “LEAF” Zero Emissions Vehicle. Right off the bat the little Nissan gets some points. It’s good looking for a compact has room for four and has an 80% charge rate of about 30 minutes. The problem however is the range, as it tops out at 100 miles on a single charge. Not good if you’re planning a weekend road trip.

I’ve never really been a big fan of diesels. Not because I don’t like them, but simply because I really don’t have any real world experience with them. Hell, the last diesel experience I had was way back in 1981 with my Dad’s diesel powered Buick Riviera. I was 9 years old and only remember my Dad constantly cursing the thing – I won’t lie, it left an impression.

In a speech before the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) in Washington, DC, former NY Governor George Pataki called for a 40% market penetration of electric vehicles before the end of the current decade.

Calling the US reliance on foreign oil “one of the most devastating policy failures of our time”, Pataki rejected current projections for market share of up to 7% by 2020.

So I’m down here in Washington, DC covering the DC International Auto Show for RideLust.com and I have to say that this is one big eco friendly gathering. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m in the nations capital and surrounded by all those who strive to do right for the world… or maybe they are just down here to do right for themselves… hell, I don’t know. Either way though there are hybrids, electric cars and clean diesels everywhere – it’s actually quite impressive

The obvious contenders were all present and accounted for. Chevrolet was pimping out a version of the their eagerly awaited hybrid electric vehicle, the VOLT. Their display was small but impressive enough, as I could actually get in and get some photo’s of both the drive train and interior. I even got a chance to sit in the cabin and I’m happy to report that there is room in there, as my 6′4″ body fit just fine.

In an announcement that should surprise no one whose been keeping even the most casual of tabs on industry news as of late, the 2010 Ford Fusion and Ford Fusion Hybrid took home honors today as Motor Trend’s newly crowned 2010 Car of the Year. While many the enthusiast has logged ample hours bitching and moaning about the objectiveness of MT’s annual awards, this is one instance where the selection seems incontestable. Despite an industry downturn and America’s apparent love affair with the bland, lifeless Toyota sedan (notice I say sedan, please don’t leave me irate comments trumpeting the superior off-road prowess of the FJ Cruiser or the astounding longevity of the 4Runner, I know), the Fusion managed to garner record sales numbers in 2009 and is contributing heavily to Ford’s celebrated success.

Less than a year away from the launch of the much gossiped-about Nissan Leaf EV, rumors abound that Nissan is busy at work with a new, lighter, more efficient battery pack. Unlike Chevy, who releases a press release about as often as the average citizen has a bowel movement, Nissan has remained relatively tight-lipped regarding their new electric vehicle and as a result has lent the entire project an air of mystery. Thanks to this intentional game of playing coy, Nissan has managed to generate more interest in the Leaf (at least from the RL camp) than I ever thought possible. The basic information that’s been provided does not hint at a performance-oriented vehicle by any stretch of the term, which would usually earn it an immediate dismissal, but something about Nissan’s subtle approach suggests the Leaf is something to be watched. Further reinforcing this belief is the aforementioned report that surfaced today concerning Nissan’s new battery pack. Since the technology is still struggling through rather primitive stages of development Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn stressed that the lighter, more efficient pack wouldn’t appear in the Leaf until a few years down the road but when it does, it will bring with it a significant cost and weight reduction.

Perhaps one of the most tired cliches in the industry is “no replacement for displacement” and while the saying if often true, it does not change the fact that after hearing it approximately 4,553 times you begin to seriously entertain the idea of committing felonious acts of assault. Such was largely the case with the repetitious argument Ford put forth at SEMA this year with their 1934 Ecoboost V6 Hot Rod – if that engine had one unit of horsepower for every time “replacement” and “displacement” were used in the same sentence, it wouldn’t be street legal. Fortunately, the hot rod itself was just impressive enough to compensate for any minor annoyances presented by the PR department and by the time you finish the virtual walk-around, all will be completely forgiven.

Thanks to the custom propane-powered engine, Steve Hale’s 1956 F-100 hot rod is one of the most extremely badass yet remarkably fuel-efficient vehicles I’ve seen to date. To highlight the conservation ideology demonstrated by the latter feature, Hale chose to construct the F-100 out of copper – which makes for a very interesting design aesthetic to say the least. Fortunately, the dazzling metallic paint is complimented nicely by the copper and manages to escape the ire usually reserved for over-the-top SEMA jobs. As a matter of fact, so impressive is the entire execution I’m even willing to forgive the inclusion of the obligatory suicide doors.